In accordance with the University Course Syllabus of September 22, 2009, the students will:

obtain knowledge on various aspects of American culture

become familiar with current issues of contemporary American culture and society

be able to select and analyse texts searching for the necessary information

obtain experience in teamwork and group discussions

be able to develop a positive attitude to a foreign culture and people

Course contents:

The course will offer a general introduction to a number of topics on the United States of America:

American History

State System and Local Government

Geography and Economy

Religion (past and present)

Family Institution

Ethnic Diversity and Immigration Policies

American-Russian Relations (history)

Recommended readings:

Tokareva N., Peppard V., WHAT IT IS LIKE IN THE USA? Moscow, 1998.

Fiedler E., etc. AMERICA IN CLOSE-UP, Longman, 1996

Stevenson D., AMERICAN LIFE AND INSTITUTIONS, Verlag, 1998

Falk R., SPOTLIGHT ON THE USA, Oxford, 1993.

An Outline of American History, USIA, 1994

An Outline of American Geography, USIA, 1994

Garwood Ch., etc. ASPECTS OF BRITAIN AND THE USA, Oxford, 1994.

Burova I., GLIMPSES OF AMERICAN HISTORY, S.-Petersburg, 1997

Golitsynsky Y., THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, S.-Petersburg, 1999

Pavlotsky V., DISCOVERING AMERICA, S.-Petersburg, 1997

Teaching methods:

The course is based on lectures (18hours), seminars and teamwork (16 hours). As parts of the syllabus will be covered by lectures alone, attendance is mandatory.

Assessment methods:

The students are evaluated based on their attendance, their language skills, as well as their knowledge of the topics covered by the course. In order to be able to get the required credit, the students will have to complete all the class assignments (reports, presentations, written tests) in a satisfactory manner. The final exam will be held around mid-June.